FIRE AND RAIN CAN’T STOP LOCAL FARMERS’ PLANS TO CONQUER WORLD
Published Tuesday, 03 October, 2006 at 03:23 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
03 October, 2006
A local fish farm that has had to rebuild twice in five years is now on track to conquer some of the world’s largest consumer markets for eels.
For Broughton Appo and Lynette Surha- Appo of Japoon Fish Farm at Japponvale, south of Innisfail, grabbing a share of the lucrative Hong Kong and Chinese markets will be a walk in the park compared to the last five years.
After slowly rebuilding from a devastating fire in 2001 the couple had to face almost starting over a second time after Cyclone Larry ripped through their property in March this year.
”We have overcome personal losses and have been concentrating on rebuilding our business,” Lynette Surha-Appo said.
“Through determination and support of each other we have set our sights on our goal of expanding the eel aspect of our business. We believe this will contribute to a viable industry in Far North Queensland.”
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the State Government was keen to assist the business to get back on track.
“The State Government’s Indigenous Business Establishment Program will provide $49,981 to the Japoon Fish Farm to diversify its business and move into the production of glass eels,” he said.
Mr Mickel said the clean, green image of Australian waters meant produce such as eels would prove popular in Asia.
“Also, there are many festivals in Asian countries where the consumption of eels is an integral part of cultural activities – so our ability to deliver combined with our image offers incredible growth potential to aquaculture farms,” he said.
“And then there is the European market crying out for live eels in the face of depleting wild stocks – another opportunity Jappon Fish Farm plans to explore.”
Mr Mickel praised Broughton and Lynette for their commitment to growing a vibrant industry for North Queensland.
“There is no denying the last few years have been tough for the business but Broughton and Lynette have remained focused on building their business and doing more than that – investing in the future and planning for export which is what is going to guarantee their long term sustainability in a competitive marketplace,” he said.
The State Government Department’s of State Development and Primary Industries and Fisheries had been working closely with the Federal Government to help the hard working couple get their business back on track.
“Japoon Fish Farm will now begin working with their local Trade Smart officer to explore the Hong Kong and Chinese markets,” he said.
The project will also create two new full-time positions in the first year and provide a stepping stone to higher levels of aquaculture studies for indigenous students at the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE or University.
Mr Mickel said the Indigenous Business Establishment Program was a State Government initiative administered by the Department of State Development designed to help Indigenous business owners gain the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive in business in the long term.
For more information about the Indigenous Business Establishment Program access the website on www.sd.qld.gov.au/indigenous, or contact your nearest State Development Centre on 132 650.
Media Contacts:Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
Company contact details:
Broughton and Lynette Surha Appo
Japoon Fish Farm
Japponvale
Telephone: 4065 5042
A local fish farm that has had to rebuild twice in five years is now on track to conquer some of the world’s largest consumer markets for eels.
For Broughton Appo and Lynette Surha- Appo of Japoon Fish Farm at Japponvale, south of Innisfail, grabbing a share of the lucrative Hong Kong and Chinese markets will be a walk in the park compared to the last five years.
After slowly rebuilding from a devastating fire in 2001 the couple had to face almost starting over a second time after Cyclone Larry ripped through their property in March this year.
”We have overcome personal losses and have been concentrating on rebuilding our business,” Lynette Surha-Appo said.
“Through determination and support of each other we have set our sights on our goal of expanding the eel aspect of our business. We believe this will contribute to a viable industry in Far North Queensland.”
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the State Government was keen to assist the business to get back on track.
“The State Government’s Indigenous Business Establishment Program will provide $49,981 to the Japoon Fish Farm to diversify its business and move into the production of glass eels,” he said.
Mr Mickel said the clean, green image of Australian waters meant produce such as eels would prove popular in Asia.
“Also, there are many festivals in Asian countries where the consumption of eels is an integral part of cultural activities – so our ability to deliver combined with our image offers incredible growth potential to aquaculture farms,” he said.
“And then there is the European market crying out for live eels in the face of depleting wild stocks – another opportunity Jappon Fish Farm plans to explore.”
Mr Mickel praised Broughton and Lynette for their commitment to growing a vibrant industry for North Queensland.
“There is no denying the last few years have been tough for the business but Broughton and Lynette have remained focused on building their business and doing more than that – investing in the future and planning for export which is what is going to guarantee their long term sustainability in a competitive marketplace,” he said.
The State Government Department’s of State Development and Primary Industries and Fisheries had been working closely with the Federal Government to help the hard working couple get their business back on track.
“Japoon Fish Farm will now begin working with their local Trade Smart officer to explore the Hong Kong and Chinese markets,” he said.
The project will also create two new full-time positions in the first year and provide a stepping stone to higher levels of aquaculture studies for indigenous students at the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE or University.
Mr Mickel said the Indigenous Business Establishment Program was a State Government initiative administered by the Department of State Development designed to help Indigenous business owners gain the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive in business in the long term.
For more information about the Indigenous Business Establishment Program access the website on www.sd.qld.gov.au/indigenous, or contact your nearest State Development Centre on 132 650.
Media Contacts:Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
Company contact details:
Broughton and Lynette Surha Appo
Japoon Fish Farm
Japponvale
Telephone: 4065 5042